Speedcore
| Speedcore | |
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| Stylistic origins | |
| Cultural origins | Early–mid 1990s |
| Derivative forms |
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| Subgenres | |
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| Fusion genres | |
| Cybergrind | |
| Regional scenes | |
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| Other topics | |
Speedcore is an extreme subgenre of electronic music and hardcore techno characterized by very high tempos, distorted percussion, experimental sound design, and aggressive thematic elements.[1] Tempos typically range from 300 BPM to over 1,000 BPM in subgenres such as Extratone. The genre emphasizes rhythmic extremity, sonic intensity, and often provocative or confrontational themes.[2] Speedcore emerged in the early 1990s as a faster, more aggressive evolution of hardcore, combining elements of Gabber, Breakcore, and Industrial hardcore.
Speedcore is distinguished from other hardcore subgenres by its extreme tempo, often between 300–1,000+ BPM, and its use of highly distorted kick drums and snares, which are frequently processed to produce harsh, square-wave-like sounds. Tracks feature rapid-fire rhythm patterns, fills, and breaks that create a chaotic and relentless sonic atmosphere. Aggressive or provocative themes are common, with some artists incorporating violent, satirical, or offensive samples and motifs to enhance intensity. Modern producers typically use DAWs, modular synthesis, and advanced sound design techniques to manipulate speed, texture, and rhythm. Historically, the genre relied on analog synthesizers and tracker software, but DAWs have largely replaced these tools in contemporary production.[3]
Speedcore’s origins trace back to the early 1990s as artists experimented with pushing hardcore techno to new extremes. Hardcore music of the early 1990s already featured fast tempos, but some producers sought to exceed established speed and aggression thresholds. One notable early example is Moby’s "Thousand" (1992), which reportedly reached approximately 1,015 BPM.[4] By the mid-1990s, the term “speedcore” was used to describe very fast hardcore tracks, with artists such as Disciples of Annihilation popularizing the genre name through releases like "NYC Speedcore," and Belgian producer DJ Einrich experimenting with transforming kick drum rhythms into melodic sequences.[5]
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, speedcore began spreading internationally, aided by vinyl releases, cassettes, and early internet forums. Netlabels emerged, providing digital distribution that allowed producers from around the world to share music without relying on localized rave scenes. Japanese artists, including DJ Sharpnel, incorporated melody into high-BPM tracks, contributing to the J-Core scene.[6] The 2010s and 2020s saw speedcore exist predominantly online, with platforms like YouTube, streaming services, and netlabels enabling global collaboration, sharing, and the proliferation of experimental forms.
Several subgenres have evolved from speedcore. Splittercore typically ranges from 600 to 1,000 BPM and is characterized by rapid kick patterns resembling machine gun fire, creating extremely dense rhythms. Flashcore combines elements of speedcore, Industrial hardcore, and IDM, favoring complex, abstract, and avant-garde sound structures over conventional rhythm.[7] Extratone occurs at tempos exceeding 1,000 BPM, where individual beats merge into a continuous tone with pitch modulation; the term derives from the German words extrahieren (“to extract”) and tone (“sound”).
Speedcore has influenced other extreme music genres, including Digital hardcore and Electrogrind, and has contributed to niche online subcultures associated with experimental electronic music. Its visual and thematic aesthetics, ranging from apocalyptic imagery to neon cyberpunk motifs, have also shaped broader underground music culture.
See also
[edit]List of electronic music genres
Hardcore (electronic dance music genre)
References
[edit]- ^ Ishkur (2005). "Ishkur's Guide to Electronic Music". Retrieved August 9, 2015.
- ^ Bennett, Andy (2013). Music, Style, and Aging: Growing Old Disgracefully?. Temple University Press. ISBN 978-1-4399-0807-5.
- ^ "Core History". Blogspot. December 2009. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
- ^ Buckley, Peter, ed. (2003). The Rough Guide to Rock. Rough Guides. p. 683.
- ^ Jenkins, Dave (April 27, 2018). "An Introduction to Extratone: The World's Fastest Music Genre". Bandcamp. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
- ^ Jenkins, Dave (April 26, 2018). "Beyond J-Core: An Introduction to the Real Sound of Japanese Hardcore". Bandcamp. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
- ^ Weinel, Jon (May 20, 2007). "Flashcore | Earth, Atomizer, Let's Go!". Archived from the original on May 13, 2008. Retrieved November 18, 2022.